Oklahoma

Proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating to Oklahoma’s most vulnerable | Opinion

Published

9 months ago

February 27, 2025

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Proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating to Oklahoma’s most vulnerable | Opinion

Oklahomans cannot afford to stay silent on this issue. We must urge our representatives in Congress to reject these devastating cuts and protect Medicaid.

Jena Nelson
| Guest columnist

In a move that threatens to upend the lives of millions of Americans, Congress is poised to slash $800 billion from Medicaid. For Oklahomans, this decision is not just a political abstraction — it is a direct attack on the health and well-being of our state’s most vulnerable populations. These cuts will have far-reaching consequences, disproportionately affecting low-income families, children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. As a state that has only recently embraced Medicaid expansion, Oklahoma cannot afford to go backward. Congress must reconsider this reckless decision before it inflicts irreversible harm.

Medicaid is a lifeline for nearly 1 in 4 Oklahomans, providing essential health care services to those who would otherwise go without. The program covers prenatal care for expectant mothers, routine check-ups for children and long-term care for seniors and people with disabilities. It also supports rural hospitals, many of which are already teetering on the brink of financial collapse. Cutting $800 billion from Medicaid would force Oklahoma to make impossible choices: reduce coverage, slash benefits, or impose stricter eligibility requirements. No matter the approach, the result will be the same — more Oklahomans will suffer.

Medicaid cuts will impact rural communities, children and seniors

Oklahoma’s rural hospitals rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements to keep their doors open. According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Report, 30% of Oklahoma’s rural hospitals are at immediate risk of closing. If Congress moves forward with these cuts, many of these facilities will be forced to shut down, leaving entire communities without access to emergency care, maternity services, or basic medical treatment. For rural Oklahomans, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a matter of life and death.

Children will also bear the brunt of these cuts. Medicaid covers nearly half of all children in Oklahoma, ensuring they have access to vaccines, doctor visits and treatments for chronic conditions. When children lose access to health care, the consequences extend far beyond their immediate health. Studies show that children without adequate health care are more likely to struggle in school, miss days due to illness, and face long-term health challenges. By cutting Medicaid, Congress is jeopardizing the future of an entire generation of Oklahomans.

Seniors and individuals with disabilities will also face dire consequences. Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care in the United States, covering nursing home stays and in-home care services for millions of elderly and disabled Americans. In Oklahoma, where the population is aging and rates of disability are higher than the national average, these cuts could force families to make heart-wrenching decisions about how to care for their loved ones. Many will be left with no choice but to shoulder the financial burden themselves, pushing them into poverty.

It’s worth noting that Oklahoma only recently expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, after years of resistance from state leaders. The expansion, which took effect in 2021, has already proven transformative, providing coverage to more than 200,000 low-income adults. These individuals now have access to preventive care, mental health services, and treatment for chronic conditions — services that were previously out of reach. Congress’ proposed cuts would undermine this progress, leaving thousands of Oklahomans once again uninsured and untreated.

Proponents of the cuts argue that they are necessary to reduce the federal deficit, but this reasoning is both shortsighted and cruel. Slashing Medicaid will not solve the nation’s fiscal challenges; it will only shift the burden onto states and families, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Moreover, the economic ripple effects will be profound. Healthier populations are more productive, and thriving hospitals create jobs. By gutting Medicaid, Congress is not only harming individuals — it is undermining the broader economy.

Oklahomans cannot afford to stay silent on this issue. We must urge our representatives in Congress to reject these devastating cuts and protect Medicaid. For too many in our state, this program is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Cutting $800 billion from Medicaid is not just bad policy; it is a moral failure. Congress must prioritize the health and dignity of its citizens over political expediency. The lives of Oklahomans depend on it.

Jena Nelson is director of programs for the Oklahoma Faith Network.

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Oklahoma

3 Takeaways From The Thunder’s Tenth Win In A Row

Published

1 hour ago

November 27, 2025

Press Room

3 Takeaways From The Thunder’s Tenth Win In A Row

It was a battle through and through in the third game of the NBA Cup group stage. The Thunder would have as large a lead as 12, but the Timberwolves found a way to stick in the game all the way to the final buzzer. In the end, the Thunder would hold on and prevail 113-105 in the closest game of their 10-game win streak.

With a minute remaining, Anthony Edwards would hit a three-pointer to bring the game within one, putting the pressure on OKC. Chet Holmgren would respond for the Thunder by hitting a three of his own with 37 seconds remaining.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would then hit one of two free throws to put the Thunder up 109-104, and after a five-second inbound violation, the game was as good as OKC’s.

Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual MVP self as he had 40 points, leading the game in scoring. This game came down to the wire, but the Thunder got it done like they’ve continued to do.

Here are three takeaways from the Thunder’s tenth win in a row.

Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) shoots a three point basket over Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

1. OKC continues to smother opponents

You would think the Thunder only scoring 49 points in the first half would have them behind in today’s NBA, but the Thunder were, in fact, leading by 10. The Timberwolves only shot 32% from the field in the first half and would end the game only shooting 41%.

Oklahoma City has continued to be the hardest team to score on in the league, and the league can only hope they slow down soon. This has been a trend for the Thunder, as they remain at the top of almost every defensive stat this season. OKC has continued to produce on the defensive end, leaving their opponents unable to on offense.

Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) moves around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

2. The Thunder must finish their defensive possessions

Like previously said, the Thunder’s defense is immaculate, but they must make sure to only play defense once per possession. The Thunder got beat on the offensive boards tonight as Minnesota had 12 offensive rebounds compared to the Thunder’s seven.

These allowed offensive rebounds sometimes negated the Thunder’s defensive efforts and allowed the Timberwolves to get chances they shouldn’t have had in the first place. This mistake didn’t cost the Thunder ultimately, but it must be something the Thunder improves on.

Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

3. The NBA Cup is the Thunder’s to lose

Oklahoma City is now 3-0 in the group stage of the NBA Cup, with only one remaining against Phoenix on Friday. A win then will guarantee the Thunder a spot in bracket play as the winner of West Group A. The Thunder are looking to be right in the position they were in last year, when they made the NBA Cup finals.

They lost that game to the Milwaukee Bucks 97-81 and have to have a chip on their shoulder now that this goal seems attainable once again. They would be the first team to reach the cup finals in back-to-back years and are hoping to be the third ever team to win it.

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Grading college football’s coaching carousel: A- for Virginia Tech, B+ for Oklahoma State

Published

19 hours ago

November 26, 2025

Press Room

Grading college football’s coaching carousel: A- for Virginia Tech, B+ for Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State was one of the earliest entrants to this year’s coaching carousel after firing Mike Gundy in September. Brett Deering / Getty Images

In college football, you never really know whether a coaching hire is going to work — just take a peek at all those A’s for Brian Kelly and Billy Napier four years ago. But you also don’t need to wait around to evaluate whether a school hired the right fit.

As the 2025-26 coaching carousel heats up, we’re handing out initial grades to the hires as head coach openings are filled around the country, focusing on how much the hire makes sense and whether it satisfies what a team identified it needed going into a coaching search.

Check back as more jobs get filled.

Oklahoma State hires Eric Morris: B+

(Hired Nov. 25)

Morris checks a lot of boxes for Oklahoma State. He has deep ties to Texas, having spent almost his entire playing and coaching career there. And he knows how to develop quarterbacks, as names like Patrick Mahomes, Cam Ward, John Mateer and now Drew Mestemaker have thrived under his watch. He has also shown an ability to do more with less at North Texas and FCS Incarnate Word.

But while Morris’ offenses have long been good, his defenses have been up and down, and he’s won six games or fewer in four of six non-pandemic seasons as a head coach as a result. The hire of Skyler Cassity as Mean Green defensive coordinator in 2025 was one of Morris’ best moves. We don’t know yet whether Cassity will follow him to Stillwater, but that side of the ball will have to keep up with the offense.

Virginia Tech hires James Franklin: A-

(Hired Nov. 17)

Franklin was the No. 1 target from the moment he was fired at Penn State, and for good reason. He’d never missed a bowl game in 15 years at Vanderbilt or Penn State, outside of the pandemic-altered 2020 season. He turned Penn State into a top-10 program again. He dominated recruiting in the state of Virginia while at Penn State. He has a long track record of fostering alignment and investment. All the characteristics Virginia Tech needed, Franklin has them. He has only won one conference championship, and his game management has come under fair criticism, but he checks off all the other boxes of what Virginia Tech needed.

Kent State promotes Mark Carney: B

(Named interim coach in April, hired to full-time job Oct. 30)

What Carney has accomplished this season cannot be understated. He became the interim head coach on the eve of spring practice in April, when coach Kenni Burns was fired amid an investigation into his financial dealings. Then his defensive coordinator left in the summer for an assistant job at North Dakota State. The Golden Flashes were 1-23 in the previous two years and appeared headed for a doomed 2025 season. Yet this year’s team is 4-7 and remained in bowl contention until a loss to Central Michigan in the season’s penultimate week. Kent State is arguably the toughest job in the Football Bowl Subdivision, so keeping a coach who turned the Golden Flashes back into a respectable MAC outfit was an easy decision.

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Matt Campbell takeaways ahead of Iowa State football vs Oklahoma State

Published

2 days ago

November 25, 2025

Press Room

Matt Campbell takeaways ahead of Iowa State football vs Oklahoma State

AMES — It’s the final week of the 2025 regular season, and Iowa State football is gearing up for a road matchup against Oklahoma State.

The Cyclones (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) will take on the Cowboys (1-10, 0-8 Big 12), as Matt Campbell’s squad looks to finish out the regular season on a high note. Each of the last nine matchups between these two teams – dating back to 2015 – was decided by seven points or fewer, but this game might not follow that trend.

Despite some of Iowa State’s struggles this year, the Cyclones are a heavy favorite, considering that Oklahoma State sits in sole possession of last place in the Big 12.

Here are three takeaways from Campbell’s media availability ahead of the Cyclones’ matchup against Oklahoma State.

Iowa State won’t underestimate Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have yet to beat a conference opponent this season, and they’ve won just one game all year. But Campbell isn’t underestimating Oklahoma State.

He understands the Cowboys will be fighting to prove something in their last game of the year – and on senior day, no less. That’s why Campbell expects a test for his Cyclones, despite the Cowboys’ record.

“When you watch this Oklahoma State team – and all you’ve gotta do is watch the last two games – how these kids are playing, it’s a tribute to their leadership in their locker room. It’s a tribute to the attitude and effort, and we know what Oklahoma State football is all about.”

Caleb Bacon will return next season

The Cyclones’ star linebacker may be listed as a redshirt senior on the roster, but he didn’t take part in Iowa State’s senior day ceremony – held before the game against Kansas. And there’s no question that he’ll be back in Jack Trice Stadium next year.

“That was a quick determination,” Campbell said about Bacon taking a medical redshirt last season. “(He) will be back next year. So, there’s no determination. He’s a junior ready to go play senior football next year.”

Xavier Townsend could miss the last game of the year

The Iowa State wide receiver could miss the final game of the season, with Campbell sharing that Townsend has been battling through a wrist injury.

“I don’t know what his availability will be this week,” Campbell said. “I would probably say leaning more towards doubtful than hopeful. (We’re) trying to figure out what exactly we need to do with that, and is it something that can heal without surgery.

“He’s battled it here the last couple of weeks, and X has done a great job battling through it and trying to give us everything he’s got.”

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

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